BAMBOO 01484 94 OO OO Driver Training

At the start of your driving test, before leaving the test centre, your examiner will check your licence and your address. You will be asked to sign a declaration that the vehicle is properly insured for you to take your driving test and that you normally live or have lived in the UK for at least 185 days in the last 12 months.

Once outside, your examiner will ask you which vehicle you are going to use for your test and will then check your eyesight by asking you to read a number plate on a vehicle at a prescribed distance (20 metres for a new style number plate or 20.5 metres for an old style).

Now your examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions. These are sometimes referred to as the “Show me - Tell me” questions.

You will be asked one “show me question”, where you will show your examiner how you would perform a safety check.

You’ll also be asked one “tell me” question where you’ll explain how you would carry out the safety check.

Vehicle Safety Questions

‘Show me’ questions S1 Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Use the hazard warning switch high on centre of dashboard and check functioning of all indicators. (no need to switch ignition on, don’t start the engine).

S2 Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car, (if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine).

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help, (you’ll need to switch ignition on, but don’t start the engine).

S3 Show me, or explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is or is not functioning. If it isn’t then the steering will be very heavy.

S4 Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear; make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.

Apply footbrake firmly. Apply parking brake (handbrake) and demonstrate that when it is applied it secures the car.

Note: BAMBOO cars feature different types of handbrakes:Audi A1 - the handbrake shouldn’t reach the end of its travelAudi A3 & Q3 - these use electro-mechanical handbrakes

S5 Show me how you would check that the horn is working.

Check is carried out by using horn (turn on ignition). Explain that you would do this where it would not affect other road users e.g. in the garage at home.

S6 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on).

S7 Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them, (no need to exit vehicle).

Operate switch to turn on dipped headlights (ignition needs to be on). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

S8 Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

Operate switch (with ignition on), check with main beam warning light.

S9 Show me how you would set the de-mister controls to clear all the windows effectively.

Set all relevant controls including fan, temperature air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

S10 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Level Ground & Engine cool. Identify dipstick (orange handle), describe check of oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.

S11 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

On level ground. Identify high/low level markings on header tank (pink fluid) where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

S12 Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

On level ground. Identify reservoir (yellow writing), check level against high/low markings.

‘Tell me’ questions T1 Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

T2 Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Identify reservoir (blue cap) and explain how to check level. On BAMBOO Audi cars it is not possible to see the level unless it is almost full, however when the reservoir reaches a low level, a warning light illuminates on the information screen together with a warning chime.

T3 Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps. BAMBOO Audi cars carry a tyre pressure gauge in the boot.

T4 Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable. On the Audi A1 the front head restraints are simply pulled up or pushed down to the desired position. The rear head restraints require a tab on the black base to be depressed whilst the restraint is lifted or lowered.

T5 Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth (could use a tread depth gauge) across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

T6 Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working (no need to exit vehicle).

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. As this is a ‘tell me’ question, there is no need to physically check the lights.

T7 Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system (ABS).

An ABS warning light on instrument display should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.